Towns are deserted with disturbing images of children looking under rubble for their parents. Twelve days on, just over 9,000 people are now known to have died with over 13,000 others are still missing. Nearly 270,000 people are forced to leave their homes due to contamination levels. Tokyo’s tap water is unfit for humans to drink after radiation from Japan’s quake hit nuclear plant affected the capital’s water supply.

Japan has raised the alert level at its quake-damaged nuclear plant from four to five on a seven-point international scale of atomic incidents.

The Japan Tsunami

Currently 1,300 people are trying to survive without their homes as they have been evacuated from the small town of Futaba in Fukushima. The town reminds strictly out of bounds having been contaminated with dangerously high radiation levels.

Many hospitals and refuges are demanding that evacuees provide them with certificates proving that they have not been exposed to radiation levels before they are admitted.

Aftermath of the Disaster

Japan Volunteer, Community Projects & Conservation Programs

Volunteer as part of a meaningful travel experience in Japan. There is wide range of volunteer travel opportunities in Japan, a good way to integrate into Japanese society is to live with a local host family and teach English at schools. Volunteering projects include promoting organic farming in Japan or if you have an interest in medical and healthcare you could find placements at Red Cross Hospitals. Lots of people on gap years participate in rewarding community and conservation projects. Volunteers in Japan have a very positive impact, it is a once in a lifetime chance to do be part of something totally different to normal life. Volunteering in Japan is a good way to improve your language skills whilst spending time living and speaking with local people makes the cultural transition easier.